Climate Adaptation, Renewable Energy & Regenerative Systems
An intensive 8-week programme equipping youth to design real-world climate and energy solutions.
Apply Now Applications open January 15 · Launches March 1, 2026The Solar Cohort is Rolfes SDG Academy’s flagship climate adaptation and renewable energy programme. Designed for youth aged 18–35, it combines systems thinking, technical knowledge, and community-based action to reshape how participants understand energy, buildings, and climate resilience.
Participants learn not only what climate solutions exist, but how to design, implement, and scale them within real communities—particularly in regions most affected by climate change.
The Solar Cohort draws inspiration from Albert Rolfes’s philosophy of “humans as solar beings”—recognising our deep interdependence with natural energy cycles. Climate stability depends not only on technology, but on how societies align with regenerative systems.
Through this lens, participants explore renewable energy, circular economy principles, and regenerative design as pathways to community resilience, climate justice, and sustainable development.
Participants build a strong foundation in systems thinking and climate science, understanding how energy, carbon cycles, ecosystems, and policy interact.
Focus on renewable energy systems, regenerative construction, and circular economy approaches, including expert input from DGNB Academy.
Participants design community-based energy projects grounded in justice, participation, and measurable impact.
The final phase focuses on pitching, funding, scaling, and connecting local solutions to global climate frameworks.
The Solar Cohort welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. No prior climate or technical expertise is required.
Verified certificate, digital badge, and public project showcase.
Ongoing mentorship, monthly meetups, and job opportunities.
Eligibility for RSA seed funding supporting youth-led SDG projects.
Join a global cohort of youth shaping climate solutions through systems thinking and action.
Apply for Solar Cohort 2026